Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Affiliations
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Dana Kerns

St Louis,MO

Summary

With a caseload of 15 to 20 clients per month, I am an accomplished Employment Specialist with a track record of 85% job placement at the Independence Center, improving client employability and promoting successful job placements. I'm an expert in case management, treatment planning, and community engagement, having created successful programs and built important connections with employers. By combining thoughtful program development with sympathetic client advocacy, my method helps clients with mental illnesses advance their careers.


Overview

21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Employment Specialist

Independence Center
07.2023 - Current
  • Enhanced client employability by conducting thorough assessments, treatment plans, and identifying individual strengths and weaknesses.
  • Developed customized employment plans for clients with mental illnesses, resulting in successful job placements and long-term career growth.
  • Established strong relationships with local employers to match clients with suitable job opportunities.
  • Provided ongoing support and guidance for clients during their job search, leading to increased confidence and motivation.
  • Tracked client progress through detailed case notes and regular follow-ups, ensuring efficient service delivery.
  • Discussed member's preference for disclosure of psychiatric status to employers, including possible costs and benefits and specific information to be disclosed.

Project Intern

Conflict Resolution Center
01.2022 - 05.2022
  • Reported back to instructor to receive day-to-day tasks and responsibilities.
  • Communicated effectively with faculty and staff and accepted critiques and suggestions for areas of improvement.
  • Interacted with customers by phone, email or in-person to provide information.
  • Delivered clerical support by handling range of routine and special requirements.

Small Business Owner

Rich Girls, Real Women Inc
09.2016 - 08.2020
  • Developed interesting course plans to meet academic, intellectual and social needs of students.
  • Routinely met with students' parents regarding in-class issues and learning interruptions to discuss solutions.
  • Performed student background reviews to develop tailored lessons based on student needs.
  • Presented at 3 industry conferences to audiences of 100+ students and leaders in the field.
  • Managed daily operations for a successful small business, ensuring efficient processes and quality services.

Daycare Teacher

Youth In Need
04.2014 - 05.2015
  • Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
  • Engaged with children on individual basis to build positive relationships and promote learning.
  • Promoted physical, academic and social development by implementing diverse classroom and outside activities.
  • Maintained well-controlled classrooms by clearly outlining standards and reinforcing positive behaviors.
  • Consulted with parents to build and maintain positive support networks and support continuing education strategies.

Membership Sales Specialist

Bayer YMCA
08.2012 - 04.2013
  • Educated customers about product features and benefits to aid in selecting best options for each individuals' needs.
  • Built rapport with customers and assessed needs to make product recommendations and upsell.
  • Showcased product features to customers and discussed technical details to overcome objections and lock in sales.
  • Provided first-rate service to all customers and potential customers.

Teen Service Coordinator

Herbert Hoover Boys & Girls Club
08.2005 - 07.2008
  • Planned and led activities to develop students' physical, emotional and social growth.
  • Tailored lesson plans for students with emotional and cognitive disabilities.
  • Enhanced team collaboration by assisting in the planning and execution of various group activities.
  • Collaborated with community partners to provide resources and support for teen-focused initiatives.

Program Director

Boys & Girls Club Of Jefferson City
05.2004 - 05.2005
  • Developed high-impact programs for optimal results, focusing on strategic planning and execution.
  • Managed cross-functional teams to deliver exceptional program outcomes within budget and time constraints.
  • Delivered outstanding program results by setting clear objectives and proactively addressing potential challenges.
  • Promoted an inclusive environment by actively engaging diverse populations in all aspects of programming.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Psychology

University of Missouri - St Louis
St Louis, MO
05.2023

Skills

  • Community Outreach
  • Case Planning & Management
  • Client Needs, Assessment & Response
  • Community-Client Relations
  • Client Advocacy
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Program Development
  • Life-Skills Coaching
  • Suicide Prevention
  • Time Management
  • Carelogic Knowlegdeable

Affiliations

  • Toastmasters
  • Black Alumi Association-University of Missouri -St. Louis
  • The Association of Black Psychologists

Certification

  • Adult/Child CPR
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Life Purpose Life Coach, Transformation Academy - (Goal-Setting, Emotional Intelligence, & Spirituality)
  • Applied Suicide Training

Timeline

Employment Specialist

Independence Center
07.2023 - Current

Project Intern

Conflict Resolution Center
01.2022 - 05.2022

Small Business Owner

Rich Girls, Real Women Inc
09.2016 - 08.2020

Daycare Teacher

Youth In Need
04.2014 - 05.2015

Membership Sales Specialist

Bayer YMCA
08.2012 - 04.2013

Teen Service Coordinator

Herbert Hoover Boys & Girls Club
08.2005 - 07.2008

Program Director

Boys & Girls Club Of Jefferson City
05.2004 - 05.2005

Bachelor of Science - Psychology

University of Missouri - St Louis

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